If you have never tried plantains, you should. They look like bananas, but they taste more like potatoes at the green stage. And, like potatoes, DO NOT EAT THEM RAW!

These fried plantains will taste more like hash browns or potato pancakes. The following will serve two as a side dish or appetizer. Great with guacamole!

1 green plantain, peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
1 cup canola oil
salt, to taste

Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the plantain rounds. Fry for 3 minutes, turning often (they fry quickly). Remove from the pan and blot with paper towels. With each plantain round, place it in a sandwich bag and flatten with the bottom of a glass or bottle. Place the flattened rounds back into the oil and fry for 3 more minutes, turning once. Blot again, sprinkle with salt, and serve.